发表于 2022-11-29 18:03:24
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[B]How To Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Do You Mean By Malas?[/B]
Mala is the Sanskrit term used to describe the first prayer beads that are used to be used to count mantra recitations. In Tibetan Buddhist communities across the world, malas can be found in every corner. They can be hung around wrists and suspended from the fingers. They are also known as trengwa by Tibetans. Since Tibetan Buddhist practice often involves repeating certain mantras out loud or mentally, thousands, or perhaps hundreds of thousand times, it's useful to count the number of prayers with your rosary, as a sort of spiritual abacus. Even when you're not counting, repeating the mantra beads-by-bead throughout the mala is a great way to quiet and concentrate the mind. A string of 108 beads, which is made of precious, semi-precious, and/or seeds, such as wood or seeds, is the most popular kind of mala. If you can complete 100 mantra recitations while walking around the mala, repeating one mantra for every bead you will be considered to have achieved. You have 8 extra beads to make up for any errors or miscounts throughout the course. There's an additional head bead one that is larger than all the other beads and is also known as"guru beads. "guru bead." Many believe that this bead has a special significance, as representing the guru of one's choice, for instance, but very practically this is the point of entry for the entire circuit, and it is not included in the total 108. The malas could also have additional precious stones in various intervals. They could contain coral or turquoise. These stones are typically placed at intervals that can be used for counting. For example when you have 27 beads you will know you have completed the 1/4th of a circuit. It would result in the number of beads 111 instead of 108, if you were to add the counter beads. Another smaller mala is made for use on the wrist, with 27 beads. It is used to perform prostrations. In this scenario, the smaller size is wrapped around your hand and repeated 4 times. It is possible to make different combinations (e.g. 22 or 21). So long as you are able make use of your mala to count it, then you are good to go.
Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, ranging from ivory and bone to crystal, lazis lazuli and sandalwood. While there are many theories on the type of mala that is best to use for each type of prayer, we don't think it is a big deal. We think most Tibetans don’t make any distinctions in the kinds of malas. Monks and nuns generally make use of simple and cheap malas, such as wooden ones. You can use any mala you like. It is better not to be focused on the look or the value of your mala but rather focus in your practice of chanting and praying. See the best Bodhi Seed Mala for recommendations.
How Do You Hold And Count Using Your Malas
We'd like to remind you the fact, as Tibetan culture usually does that there isn't a set of rules for malas or counting mantras. Each person does it differently. There are a few common practices however, they do not affect your intention or your attitude to prayer. If you're meditating with your heart, while still using your mala to pray and meditate, then you're doing the right things! Certain sources suggest holding the mala with your left hand. However, some Tibetans hold it in their right hand. If you've got an altar on one hand, and a mala in the other, it is more common to carry the mala with the left hand and your prayer wheel in the right. Your mala can be used by beginning by placing the bead closest to the "guru". Place the bead between your thumb and index finger, and recite your mantra once out loud or silently. Then, you can move to the next bead , and recite your mantra once more. When you get to the guru's bead once more, you have completed 100 mantras without having to count them all. The majority of Tibetans have stopped at this point and reverse their direction. They turn the mala around , and then start a new round of 100. It's unclear what the reason is. It is because we are used to doing it.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will have a greater spiritual meaning if you use it for mantra recitations. You may also take it to a class or get it blessed and blessed by your spiritual guru. And while it is not in and of itself as holy as an idol or a fragment of Buddhist literature, it is something we generally treat with respect. It's not meant to be thrown around, placed on the ground, or covered with mundane objects. Tibetans wear their malas around their wrists or on their necks when they are not wearing them. (Although be aware that they're not used as a necklace, but as a decoration, or with self pride, to demonstrate that one is spiritual.) If you don't intend to use it for a while or you're asleep or asleep, hang it in a clean, high place close to your altar. The bookcase we have in the area under the altar is where we keep ours. It is entirely your responsibility to treat it with love and affection while keeping a practical non-extremist, non-confrontational attitude.
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